Sabrina Cohen-Hatton has been appointed as the new Chief Fire Officer for Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service, marking a historic milestone as the organisation’s first female chief.
She will begin her new role later this year, following a transition period with the current Chief Fire Officer, Neil Odin. Sabrina is moving from her current position as Chief of West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service.
Sabrina has an impressive background, having held senior roles with London Fire Brigade and Surrey Fire and Rescue Service before joining West Sussex in 2019. Her exceptional service was recognized with the King’s Fire Service Medal for distinguished service and gallantry in the 2023 Birthday Honours.
Sabrina said:
“I am truly honoured to have been appointed to lead Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service and am incredibly excited to begin this new role to ensure that the Service continues to deliver for the residents of Hampshire and the Isle of Wight."
“I would like to formally put on record my thanks to the Service’s current Chief Fire Officer, Neil Odin, who I have been privileged to work alongside for many years. I know that his time leading the Service will leave a lasting legacy that I will work with to ensure that residents in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight are kept safe from the risk of fire and emergencies.
“I am incredibly proud of the time that I spent at West Sussex Fire & Rescue Service, where I was equally as privileged to work with some incredible people as we worked together to deliver the Service’s improvement plan. It is with a heavy heart that I leave the Service, but know that I am leaving the Service in safe hands and I take with me many fond memories and friendships.
“I am very much looking forward to working with all colleagues at Hampshire and Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service to uphold all of the fantastic work that all of its teams deliver each and every day to keep the residents living and working in its communities safe.”
Sabrina's journey with South Wales Fire and Rescue began at the age of 18 in 2001, following a challenging period of homelessness from the age of 15. Her time selling The Big Issue sparked a desire to join the fire service, driven by a passion to assist those in need.
In addition to her role as an ambassador for The Big Issue, Sabrina is a strong advocate for Prince William’s Homewards foundation. During her tenure at South Wales, she led a partnership of uniformed youth groups under the patronage of HRH King Charles (then The Prince of Wales).
Throughout her career in the fire sector, Sabrina has undertaken various secondments, including roles with the Welsh Government, HMICFRS, and as interim Deputy Chief Fire Officer in Surrey. She currently serves as the NFCC’s Improvement Chair and National Lead for Working Dogs.
Sabrina has also pursued academic excellence, studying psychology at both the Open University and Cardiff University, and earning a PhD in Behavioural Neuroscience. Her academic achievements have been recognised with numerous honorary doctorates.
As a published author, Sabrina's research on the decision-making processes of incident commanders has garnered significant academic recognition and influenced policy changes globally.
Image credit: iStock
